Tower Park at Hemisfair San Antonio, Texas Vision and Use Plan January 2020 “Be Seated” by Laurie Olin, Jardin Luxemburg, Paris, France COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, MARCH 2019 2 Table of Contents Introduction 4 Summary of Themes 6 Vision Statement 16 Proposed Destinations 18 Partnership Chart 32 Appendix A 36 (List of public participation) Tower Park at Hemisfair Vision & Use Plan 2020 3 Introduction This document describes the vision and program In December 2018, Project for Public Spaces (PPS) for the third public park at Hemisfair -- Tower kicked off a robust engagement process with Park. Approximately 5.5. acres, this park is south of an initial brainstorming session with the Tower the iconic Tower of the Americas and is anchored Park Task Force. On March 4th and 5th, 2019, by Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center to the PPS engaged San Antonio residents in a public north. It will include future public private partner- outreach effort, which included a pop-up event in ship real estate projects that could bring residen- Yanaguana Garden that drew input from about tial, entertainment, retail and office uses. 110 passersby, a public presentation and work- shop with over 100 community members, and a Since the Hemisfair Master Plan was approved series of stakeholder focus groups such as senior by City Council in 2012, Hemisfair Park Area citizens, parents, historical preservation advo- Redevelopment Corporation (HPARC) has built cates, cultural organizations, young professionals a brand for high quality and well programmed and local government agencies (see Appendix public space. Yanaguana Garden opened in 2015 A on page 21). A second session with the Task with immense success and Civic Park is slated to Force looked at the emerging ideas and set forth open in 2022. Now, Tower Park has the opportu- a direction for the vision. In May 2019, Hemisfair nity to complete the Hemisfair experience with staff facilitated meetings with a youth group and complementary uses that are unique in character. 4 community advocacy groups, including repre- sentatives from the Lavaca, Dignowity Hill, and Denver Heights neighborhoods. The purpose of this engagement was to collect ideas that reflect local values from key stakehold- ers and future users of Tower Park and to create a vision that builds on the current uses at Yana- guana Garden and those being planned for Civic Park. In addition, an online survey was distributed to the San Antonio community to invite greater participation. Over the course of five weeks, 912 people responded and shared ideas for Tower Park. Tower Park at Hemisfair Vision & Use Plan 2020 5 Summary of Themes Below is a summary of themes that emerged from “I hope that a lot more greenery is brought in, this public outreach. It was evident throughout and that there can be a quiet, meditative part our engagement process that community-ori- of the park.” ented uses that cater first and foremost to “A garden park, like an oasis in the city, would San Antonians are key to the success of Tower be nice to relax in... where people are spending Park and would garner civic pride and apprecia- the afternoon reading and having a picnic, tion. etc.” “Please make it a vibrant spot where locals and tourists can enjoy throughout the year.” What overall character would “A vibe in that park that is respectful to you recommend for Tower San Antonio’s culture yet feels fresh and new, Park? and will further cement San Antonio as a world-class city” THEME: A BALANCED GREEN SPACE There is a general desire to create a place that is simultaneously vibrant, active, and relaxing. 72% 44% 21% Striking a balance between a quiet community Natural Urban Active green space and a fun, recreational destination for Green Plaza Recreational locals can reflect this character. * Survey completed by 912 respondents “I’d like to see a green space where people can lie on blankets, hang out and throw frisbees.” Using the park’s existing tree canopy and lawn area as a gathering place, creating opportunities “San Antonio needs a downtown green space.” for intimate gardens along with interactive water features, can help to soften the backdrop of the “Keep it natural but have multiple changing park’s future developed edges. attractions to keep people coming back.” Other ideas supporting a tranquil park setting included rehabilitation of the park’s existing 6 buildings into pavilions or coworking spaces THEME: REFLECTING ON HISTORY offering a creative and inviting alternative to the office or home office. Quiet work and study Tower Park provides an opportunity to pay spaces, suggested by students and youth groups, homage to the multicultural neighborhood would be appropriate in this setting. that existed in the area before the World’s Fair, acknowledge the evolution of the place as a This concept of a quieter park would complement forward-looking world-class destination, and Yanaguana Garden and Civic Park. The master reignite the passion to live in or near downtown. plan identified Civic Park as a Regional Park, Although there are existing nods to the past, Yanaguana Garden as a Play Environment and many visitors and residents remain unaware of Tower Park as a Community Park. Together, each the area’s rich history. of these areas should create a holistic experience where the levels of activity in each park can Experiencing and understanding this important fluctuate. and unique identity through art installations, video projections, exhibits, programming, and signage can educate new audiences. Repurposing the historical buildings and encouraging uses and activities that reflect the festive and celebratory quality of the World’s Fair resonated with stake- holders. “I would love the park to be a place that would teach about San Antonio history... perhaps even specifically the World’s Fair.” * Pop-up survey completed by approximately 100 passersby “I would love to see the remaining World’s at Yanaguana Garden Fair built structures repurposed.” Tower Park at Hemisfair Vision & Use Plan 2020 7 THEME: LOCAL ARTS AND CULTURE can spill into Tower Park and blur the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Stakeholders emphasized the need for Tower Park to be programmed with uses that reflect Communal spaces for dinners or small-scale local values, cultures, and interests and welcome community events such as poetry readings, everyone in the community. This was seen classes and neighborhood meet-ups were as being critical to the park’s authenticity. In suggested. A small stage area could encourage addition to the large iconic cultural and arts impromptu perfromances and add a layer of spon- events that occur here, there should be some- taneity and community ownership to the space. thing happening more frequently in Tower Park; everyday activities such as people-watching, Targeted outreach supported ideas that emerged lounging, and relaxing. Residents, particularly during the workshop and focus group meetings. youth, mentioned bringing murals and Fiesta Spaces designed specifically for self-expression, colors here as a way to celebrate the beauty of skate culture, do-it-yourself plug ‘n play, inter- San Antonio culture. Some liked the idea of active art, gaming and other technology-based creating a space specifically for self-expression interventions such as turntable equipment that through graffiti art. allow aspiring DJs to experiment could attract and highlight young talent. Suggestions to build artistic collaboration and high- light San Antonio’s creative talent included hosting a residency program where visiting artists could showcase their work and engage with viewers. Inviting and enabling local creatives to use Tower Park as their canvas, stage, studio, or classroom can reinforce downtown as a cultural and arts hub. To further support this, the cultural insti- tutions in and around the park can offer unique programming opportunities such as music perfor- mances; visual and audio recordings; educational programs; and performance art and theater that 8 What activities and uses would Discussions about repurposing the historic draw you to Tower Park? buildings focused on serving the future residen- tial community in Tower Park. Ideas included a daycare, dry cleaner, grocer, bakery, wine shop, native plant store, pet store, pharmacy, hair and nail salon, community kitchen, meeting places for community events, coworking and studio spaces, and casual eateries serving breakfast and dinner. 75% 71% 71% 62% 58% 44% 44% 34% 31% 23% Survey respondents expressed their desire for a Art welcoming space to hang out with friends. Beer Skills Skills Food Food Fitness garden garden Classes options Jogging trainings LIve music LIve Small retail Small Community Community “Integrate functions for working population * Survey completed by 912 respondents. serving in the hospitality and medical industry.” Responders were asked to select all that apply. “Open air space for outdoor movies, live plays, “I would love to see space available for the art.” community to gather for everything from meet-ups to rallies, exercise groups, and play “Embody our community, culture and commit- dates.” ment to family.” “What a fabulous opportunity to walk your child to their nursery and then you walk to THEME: NEIGHBORHOOD CONVENIENCES work.” Places such as a small lawn, a dog park, gardens and playscapes with interactive water features were mentioned, and reinforced the need for social areas that are neighborly and engaging. Tower Park at Hemisfair Vision & Use Plan 2020 9 THEME: HEALTH AND WELLNESS THEME: FOOD OPTIONS There is an interest to build movement and fitness into the overall design of Tower Park. of survey respondents want food options People suggested climbable playscapes that are 75% adult-friendly and adventure courses that chal- lenge users to a tough workout. Others preferred yoga, dance, or cooking classes that could be The existing restaurants at Yanaguana Garden hosted indoors and outdoors, and some advo- are well-loved and appreciated.